In the May 2, 2025, edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, celebrate Small Business Week and find resources for your business, enjoy fun AAPI Heritage Month activities from the library, participate in our budget process and our Zoning Code Update, and get much more Santa Ana news, events and programs.
Spotlight Photo
Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros
Photo Credit: City staff
See more Día de los Niños photos here.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
Supporting small businesses and economic growth
Next week, May 4-10, is National Small Business Week, and there’s no better time to show your love for the local shops, restaurants and entrepreneurs that make Santa Ana shine! We have made supporting businesses both large and small, economic development, and fostering business growth a top priority. We want to make it easy to do business in Santa Ana!
To make that happen, our Economic Development Division has been busy. They organized our Sister Cities Business Expo in March (check out the event video above), host monthly business startup workshops, hold business assistance office hours 8-11 a.m. Monday through Thursday at City Hall for anyone who needs help starting or growing their business, and created a detailed guide to starting a business in Santa Ana.
Learn more about our Economic Development programs
Make your voice heard: Take our budget survey and join City Council budget workshops
The Santa Ana City Council is working diligently to finalize the City budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and we have many opportunities for you to share your ideas about which services and programs are important to you.
Take our Community Budget Priorities Survey by May 11 to weigh in on how City funds should be spent. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Take the Community Budget Priorities Survey
Join the City Council Budget Workshops this month. The City Council will have budget workshops at their regular meetings and one at a special meeting on May 6, May 15 and May 20. Please join us to hear the discussion and provide public comment, or you can watch the meetings on the City’s YouTube channel and on Spectrum Channel 3. The open meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza.
See City Council meeting agendas
News
Santa Ana leads 2025 Affordable Housing Awards with three projects receiving prestigious honors
Santa Ana has been recognized as a leader in affordable housing, with three City-supported developments earning top honors at the 2025 Affordable Housing Awards in April:
- Crossroads at Washington – Project of the Year
- WISEPlace on Broadway – Supportive Housing Award
- Estrella Springs – Transformative Housing Award
All of these projects received City funding and support, reflecting our commitment to finding innovative solutions to provide safe, stable and affordable housing for those who need it most. The City shared the awards with developers Related California, WISEPlace and Jamboree Housing. In fact, we led all Orange County cities in the Affordable Housing Awards, receiving three of six development awards countywide.
With more than 1,000 affordable units approved over the past decade, Santa Ana continues to lead Orange County in addressing housing needs.
Learn more about these affordable housing communities
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Santa Ana Public Library
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, the Santa Ana Public Library is hosting a variety of cultural programs that showcase and celebrate our diverse community. From a special talk by AAPI children’s author Ann Chau, to a documentary screening at Frida Cinema, to crafting activities, the library will have fun events for both children and adults.
All of our AAPI events are free and open to the public.
Zoning Code Update: Share your ideas about land use and development
The City of Santa Ana invites residents, business owners, developers, and design professionals to join the second round of stakeholder workshops for the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update this month.
Building on feedback from last year’s sessions, these workshops offer a valuable opportunity to help guide how properties are developed and used throughout the city. Your input will help create a modern and easy-to-understand zoning code that supports the goals of our General Plan by encouraging vibrant neighborhoods and successful business districts. The next workshop is on May 13. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your ideas!
Check out the full schedule of Zoning Code workshops
Vendor and exhibitor applications open for 4th of July, Movies in the Park
The City of Santa Ana is now accepting applications for exhibitors interested in participating in our 4th of July Celebration and our Movies in the Park events that run June 6 through July 25.
Movies in the Park is a free event that takes place in a different park every Friday from June 6 through July 25. Food vendor and exhibitor/vendor applications will close on May 14, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The 4th of July Celebration has an expected attendance of more than 10,000 people and provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, showcase your organization, and engage with local families in a fun and relaxed outdoor setting. Food vendor and exhibitor/vendor applications close on June 9, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Learn more about 4th of July and apply
Learn more about Movies in the Park and apply
SAPD offers new Text-to-911 service
Santa Ana Police Department now has a Text-to-911 service available for those moments when calling just isn’t safe. If you’re in an emergency and need to stay quiet, you can still reach help by sending a text to 911. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it could save a life. Call if you can, text if you can’t.
Additional tips for texting 911:
- Text “911” in the “To” field
- Include your location and what’s happening
- Keep texts short and clear – no emojis or slang
- Be ready to answer questions
- No photos or videos
- Never text while driving
Street closures for OC Marathon on May 4
Street closures will be in effect for the OC Marathon on Sunday, May 4, in Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa, from 4 a.m. to as late as 2 p.m.
The following street closures are planned in Santa Ana on May 4:
- Raitt Street northbound from Sunflower Avenue to Segerstrom Avenue
- Alton Avenue in both directions from Greenville Street to Bear
- Segerstrom Avenue eastbound from Raitt Street to Santa Ana River Trail
- Segerstrom Avenue eastbound from Fairview Street to Santa Ana River Trail
- Segerstrom Avenue eastbound from Newhope Street to Santa Ana River Trail
- MacArthur Boulevard in both directions at Raitt Street
- Greenville Street northbound from MacArthur Boulevard to Segerstrom Avenue
- Fairview Street at Segerstrom Avenue in both directions
- Harbor Boulevard at Segerstrom Avenue in both directions
See a map of Santa Ana closures
See the full list of OC Marathon street closures
Tales of the City
Community Tree Planting
In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day, the City of Santa Ana hosted community tree planting events at seven parks on Saturday, April 19. Neighbors and volunteers came together with City Councilmembers and City staff to plant 29 new trees:
🌲 Western Redbud and Coast Live Oak at Santiago Park led by Mayor Valerie Amezcua
🌳 Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees at Ed Caruthers Park led by Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez
🌲 Italian Stone Pine at Centennial Park led by Councilmember Thai Viet Phan
🌲 Red Oaks at Cabrillo Park led by Councilmember Jessie Lopez
🌲 Gambel Oak and Deodar Cedar at Thornton Park led by Councilmember Phil Bacerra
🌳 Avocado, lime and persimmon trees in the community garden at El Salvador Park led by Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
🌲 Coast Live Oak at Delhi Park led by Councilmember David Penaloza
Thank you to all of the residents who came out to add to Santa Ana’s urban forest of over 60,000 trees!
City Council Meetings
Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications. City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with the closed session beginning at 5 p.m. or earlier. The open meeting session begins at 5:30 p.m. Meetings have both in-person and virtual participation and attendance and are live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel and our TV channel, CTV3 (channel 3 on Spectrum.) If you’d like to provide public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, you can email, attend in person, or join the Zoom webinar online or by phone.
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
Vietnamese Storytime – May 3
Join us on the first Saturday of every month at Newhope Library for an exciting and fun-filled bilingual storytime in English and Vietnamese! We’ll sing songs, enjoy wonderful stories, and explore language and culture together. Each session ends with a creative craft activity. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome!
- Saturday, May 3
- 1–1:40 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Cinco de Mayo at Bowers Museum – May 4
Join Bowers Museum on May 4 to kick off the Cinco de Mayo spirit a day early with vibrant music, delicious food, and cultural celebration! Enjoy music by Mariachi Anacatlan, a performance by Relampago del Cielo, and dance to the rhythms of boleros, salsas, and cumbias by Los Cuates. This festival includes a special student art exhibition by Santa Ana Unified with generous funding provided by the California Cultural Heritage Endowment.
- Sunday, May 4
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
International Composting Awareness Week – May 5-9
Celebrate International Composting Awareness Week with this year’s theme, “Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost!” Whether you’re a seasoned composter or a beginner, join us for engaging free workshops at Santa Ana’s Community Gardens from May 5-9. These workshops are open to all ages, providing an opportunity to explore the wonders of composting or simply marvel at the process. Each of the five gardens will host a unique, themed workshop. Don’t forget to pick up your International Compost Awareness Passport at one of the sessions and start your composting journey!
See the Composting Week schedule and register
Brew at the Zoo – May 10
Attention all craft beer and animal lovers! Join us for a unique evening at the Santa Ana Zoo’s annual fundraiser. Wander through the zoo as you sample a selection of the finest craft beers from Orange County, encounter incredible wildlife, and groove to live music. This event is a 21 and older gathering, so be sure to bring your ID and ticket for entry.
Business Start-Up Workshop – May 14
The City of Santa Ana’s Economic Development Division hosts monthly Business Start-Up Workshops designed to support new and growing businesses. Whether you’re launching something new or looking to expand, this workshop will connect you with valuable tools, resources, and expert guidance. You’ll also have the chance to get your questions answered directly by City staff. Workshops are offered in both English and Spanish to better serve our community.
- Wednesday, May 14
- 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall (1st Floor, Room 1600), 20 Civic Center Plaza
Register for a Business Startup Workshop
Tenant’s Rights Community Workshop – May 14
Struggling with housing issues? Want to know your rights as a tenant? Join us for our Tenant’s Rights Workshops! Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources.
- Wednesday, May 14
- 5–7 p.m.
- McFadden Institute of Technology, 2701 S. Raitt St.
Find all upcoming Tenant’s Rights Workshops
Senior Centers’ Mothers Day Celebrations – May 14
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a festive event at the Southwest Senior Center and at the Santa Ana Senior Center! Join us for fun, treats, and special activities honoring all the amazing moms of our community! Participation is free and open to registered and active members at the senior center of their choice.
- Wednesday, May 14
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.
- Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W. 3rd St.
Roosevelt-Walker Community Center Open House hosts the Orange County Hope, Health & Harmony – May 16
Hosted by our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency in collaboration with the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS), this open house offers exciting activities focused on health and wellness. Enjoy mindfulness practices, nutrition demonstrations, wellness activities and a community picnic. This free, family-friendly event welcomes all ages and is dedicated to supporting veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds — all in a welcoming and uplifting environment. Bring your loved ones and make a day of it!
- Friday, May 16
- 5–8 p.m.
- Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Register for the Roosevelt-Walker Open House
Santa Ana Fun Run – May 17
On your marks, get set, get fit! Mark your calendars, and start preparing for the Santa Ana Fun Run. This year’s Fun Run has a ’70’s theme, and we invite all participants to wear their best ’70s gear. The community can look forward to a 10K, walk/run 5K and Kids Dash. Registration is required for the 10K and 5K, and the price includes a 2025 Santa Ana Fun Run T-shirt. The Kids Dash is free and no registration is required. Attendees can also enjoy a beer garden, food trucks and resource fair.
- Saturday, May 17
- Check-in: 7 a.m.
- 10K start time: 8 a.m.
- 5K start time: 9 a.m.
- Kids Dash start time: 10 a.m.
- 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Bib pickup is at Santa Ana Stadium, 602 N. Flower St.
Register for the Santa Ana Fun Run
Orange County Soccer Club Meet and Greet – May 19
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a passionate supporter, or just love the game, don’t miss this chance to engage with one of Orange County Soccer Club’s top talents. This exclusive event will include a meet and greet with OCSC defender Nico Benalcázar, a Q&A session, light refreshments and snacks, a skill showcase, and a raffle. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Come kick it with us!
- Monday, May 19
- 6–8 p.m.
- Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Register for the OCSC Meet and Greet
Resources
Report issues with the mySantaAna app
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the City of Santa Ana government in the palm of your hand! Download the app to quickly and easily report issues such as potholes, graffiti, downed trees and much more.
Who do I call at City Hall?
Important phone numbers:
- City Hall main line: (714) 647-5400
- Code Enforcement: (714) 667-2780
- Graffiti Hotline: (877) 786-7824
- Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
- Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees): (714) 647-3380
Find more phone numbers for all City services
Utility services
- City utility services
- Southern California Edison: Call (800) 447-6620
- Southern California Gas: Call (800) 207-8567
- Trash pick-up: Call (657) 467-6220